One of the prayers that is said or sung by all in the Roman Rite before the reception of Holy Communion is the Agnus Dei prayer.
It is a prayer that quotes St. John the Baptist, who prophetically called Jesus the, "Lamb of God":
Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)
This recalls Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, as his sacrifice is frequently linked to the sacrifice of lambs by the Jewish people.
The book of Revelation, which portrays a divine liturgy, similarly depicts Jesus as a lamb:
And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders, I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain. (Revelation 5:6)
This prayer is typically said in the vernacular, but can also be said in Latin. It is important to be familiar with both versions, especially when attending a pontifical Mass, when Latin is often used.
It is an important prayer, as it prepares our hearts to receive the Lamb of God in Holy Communion, recognizing the sacrifice that Jesus made and how he made himself like a lamb to be slain for us and our salvation.
Agnus Dei in Latin
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem. Amen
Agnus Dei in English
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace. Amen.
